Demand Responsive Transport is provided by a number of minibus vehicles, typically accommodating between 8 and 16 passengers. They would differ from the
current bus services, in that they are totally flexible and can divert on and off route to collect and drop off passengers within their operating area. The current demand responsive or
DaRT service works by grouping bookings together to make it viable. It is not a taxi service, as there must be sufficient volume of passengers with similar itineraries. Most DaRT work is former bus routes, and group bookings. But unlike a large bus, DaRT only needs three or four passengers to make a group booking. And, when not operating a
timetabled bus route or group booking, vehicles may be available for individual runs where no alternative transport is available. DaRT operates between 0600 and 2000 Mondays
to Saturdays inclusive.

Also, unlike a conventional bus, a passenger must book their seat, and register as a customer, at least two hours in advance of travel. But, if passengers wish to
travel regularly, they do not need to book every single time they travel, as they can make a regular booking which last for three months.

DaRT 3 Additional Areas – Bulmer, Gestingthorpe, Great Maplestead, Little Maplestead, Pebmarsh, Wickham St Paul have a new flexible service to Sudbury and Halstead. This replaced the Services 11/12/13 operated by Regal Busways from 29 August 2017

DaRT 5 - Operates in the Dengie area and takes passengers along a route including South Woodham Ferrers, Burnham-on-Crouch, Althorne, North Fambridge, Cold Norton and Latchingdon.
For further details and a route map please visit the Arrow Taxi website.

Introducing new DaRT services by removing all timetables causes some confusion: new DaRT services are introduced with a flexible timetable and in the main continue along the same route. This ensures all customers on the old timetabled route are included on the new service. As a new DaRT service builds passenger numbers additional journey options can be
introduced.

Feedback from working group meetings requested publicity shows flexible routes and a timetable guide. It is felt that it is easier for new customers to understand and reflects the preferred travel patterns.

What sort of vehicle will be used?

8 to 16 seat vehicles with the DaRT logo.

Can passengers take
their trolleys?

Yes. There will be a luggage "caged" area in the mini bus for trolleys. It is advisable to mention if you have a shopping trolley or luggage when booking the service. There is no additional charge for a shopping trolley

Can you travel by yourself?

Yes, a taxi may be used when the numbers travelling are very small.

How will hospital appointments work?

When travel is booked generally the return journey time is also booked. The passenger has the option to change it but if it is less than 2 hours’ notice needs to be flexible.

Does the DaRT mean that I can travel every day?

you can travel any time between:

On DaRT 1, 2 3 and 5 Monday to Saturday: 6AM to 8PM

On DaRT 4 and 5 Monday to Friday

6AM - 8AM

9AM - 2:30PM

4PM to 8PM

During 8AM-9AM and 2:30PM-4PM, the service provides school transport, so we cannot provide journeys during these times.

On Dart 4 and 5 on Saturday: 8am to 6pm

You may be asked to be flexible so passengers are grouped together.

Can a relative or friend book on my behalf?

Yes

Can people use the service to go out for social / leisure activities?

Yes. Experience has shown passengers often choose to book the service as a group and passengers who previously could not use a conventional service can use the DaRT. As long as it is safe to do so the service can pick up passengers from their homes.